[senco-forum] access arrangements

Although the tests that are carried out which are used to evidence access
arrangements  are valid for two years, the permissions granted from the
examination boards are only valid for one academic year and you have to
reapply each year for each pupil. 

We tend to train our grown ups to read whole papers to the pupils ... unless
the pupil particularly states that they only wish parts to be read or in the
case of an internal exam and we don't have enough grown ups to go round then
we have to resort to reading questions on request, but in the case of public
examinations I ensure that there are enough readers/scribes/amanuensis' to
go round.

Lesley 

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Richard Cook
Sent: 15 May 2007 19:21
To: Elizabeth Haffenden; senco forum
Subject: RE: [senco-forum] access arrangements

My understanding:Access arrangements are valid for two years from approval.
Therefore they are still entitled to a reader regardless of progress.

My view:  A reader takes the stress of decoding away from the candidate.  So
even if they are 'coping adequately' with the reading a reader will help
their understanding and their speed of reading.  Therefore if they have
readers agreed a reader should be provided.  Shouldn't it?

Am interested in the view that the candidate doesn't have to request a
question being read.

Richard

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk]On Behalf Of Elizabeth
Haffenden
Sent: 15 May 2007 08:49
To: senco forum
Subject: [senco-forum] access arrangements

I have some students who qualify for a reader when tested at the end of Year
9, but by the time they sit their GCSEs many of their teachers feel that
they no longer need a reader and are coping adequately with exams.

Does anybody know what is my situation.  At the moment I offer a reader to
those who qualify for this access arrangement and if they do not want to
take it up I leave the decision to them.  However, if their teachers feel
that in Year 11 in the classroom they are coping adequately without a reader
can I, as the person responsible for access arrangements, withdraw this from
them on the grounds that they are coping adequately in the classroom, in
Year 10 exams and Mocks without a reader. My understanding is that the
access arrangement should reflect the normal provision for the student in
these situations.

Does anyone have any experience of this.  I need to be standing on firm
ground with regard to this.  Many of our parents are quite vociferous.

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